I've been here for 6 years and Average temperature is around 49--F, so expect cold winters. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
10 upvotes
8 Replies
Nathan Anderson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 1 years. Moved from Portland for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are excellent. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Chain restaurants dominate. Limited shopping options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
river_amelia94
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. I'm still on the fence after all this time.
36 upvotes
Hazel
Can confirm, been here 5 years.
26 upvotes
Gianna Robinson
hard disagree but ok
20 upvotes
Santiago T.
interesting, hadn't considered that
8 upvotes
Peyton Thomas
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely underrated and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (West) is reasonable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from New York, be prepared for the culture shock. outdoor recreation is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
7 upvotes
David W.
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's been a really good experience overall.
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